Dollar faces misdemeanor charges of simple battery and cruelty to children. He posted a $5,000 bond and was released Friday morning.

In a statement issued through his attorney to the Associated Press, Dollar said he would never physically harm his children.

"The facts in this case will be handled privately to further protect my children. My family thanks you for your prayers and continued support," he said.

Dollar and his wife, Taffi, have five children.

The pastor founded his ministry in 1986. It grew from a modest first service in front of eight people to having thousands of followers in satellite churches around the country.

Dollar is known for his flashy lifestyle and for preaching a gospel of prosperity to his congregants.

"Do you know why God wants you to prosper? He has a plan for your prosperity and it involves more than just having a big house and nice cars. God's design for prosperity is so you can be a blessing to others," it says on Dollar's website.